Sandwiched between the Hajar Mountains the Gulf of Oman, the emirate of Fujairah is a top pick for those looking for unique activities and attractions as part of a visit to the UAE. Here are 10 good reasons to visit this diverse emirate.
Markets
The Friday Market is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere of Fujairah. Despite its name, the market operates most days of the week. Stalls line the road between Fujairah and the small mountain town of Masafi selling rugs, fruit and vegetables, plants, pottery and cheap souvenirs.
History
Fujairah boasts a considerable history with archeological evidence of settlement at Kalba dating back over 4,500 years. Archaeological dig sites can be visited at Qidfa and Bitna while the Al Hayl Palace, the restored Bithnah Fortress and historic Fujairah Fort are well worth a visit.
Beaches
Fujairah has miles of clean white sand leading down to the warm waters of the Gulf of Oman. It’s a beautiful place to relax in the sun, especially in the winter months. Beach chairs and shady umbrellas are available for hire, or are provided free for hotel guests. Watersports such as swimming, snorkelling, jet skiing, fishing, sailing, parasailing and kayaking can all be enjoyed from the beach.
Snorkelling and Diving
The deeper waters of the Gulf of Oman offer fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities from Fujairah. There are more than 10 dive sites just offshore with soft corals, turtles, fish and reef sharks. Further offshore, underwater caves offer unique experiences for scuba divers.
Culture and Heritage
Visit the restored Bidiyah Mosque near Dibba, considered the oldest mosque still in use in the UAE. It was built of mud bricks in 1446. Just behind the mosque is an excavated Bronze Age tomb in the hillside.
Bullfights
Perhaps the last thing you would expect to find in the UAE are bullfights, but they are still part of the Fujairah culture. Unlike Spanish bullfights, this sport is a bloodless contest seeing massive Brahmin bulls displaying their strength in this competitive event.
Nature
There’s a surprising amount of birdlife, reptiles and small mammals at the Khor Kalba Nature Reserve near the border with Oman. Take binoculars to spot the rare white-collared kingfisher and other indigenous wildlife in the mangroves.
Mountains
Unlike the other emirates, Fujairah is mountainous with the Hajar Mountain Range running through it. A road trip into the cooler mountains reveals green agricultural areas used for growing fruit and produce.
Hikes
You can walk to a waterfall with a guide at the Wadi Wurayah Nature Reserve, an important area of wetland conservation. As always, avoid visiting after rain as the dry wadi quickly floods.
Climate
The dry desert climate in Fujairah can be hot in summer, reaching up to 46°C (115°F). From October to early May daytime highs are a pleasant 23-33°C (73-91°F). However, the clear desert skies mean that temperatures drop rapidly after dark (12-19°C or 54-66°F) so you will need a jacket.
Add in the opportunity to enjoy new food, great shopping and exciting desert experiences and you’ll find that Fujairah makes a great place to visit with something for everyone.
